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Madagascar activities at Heidelberg Zoo
Heidelberg Zoo enthusiastically participates in this year's EAZA Conservation Campaign. In accordance with the suggestions on the Education DVD, the following ideas were successfully implemented;
Information panel with donation box
A large information panel was set up close to the ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) enclosure, which provides basic information for interested visitors about Malagasy animals and plants throughout the year. The text and the graphics emphasize the need for wildlife conservation and the importance of giving support to the EAZA Madagascar Campaign. Motivated visitors can make a donation through a donation box which is integrated with the information panel.
Madagascar Campaign week
The Madagascar Campaign week took place at Heidelberg Zoo from 16-22 April 2007. The public was informed about this event in newspaper articles, interviews, posters and the official information leaflets.
Information stand
 For the Campaign week, an information stand had been installed nearby the information panel and lemur enclosure; the animals then served as sympathetic "living models" for the Campaign. Attractive geckos in a display case fulfilled the same function directly at the stand. There, further information, directly associated with Madagascar, was available in the form of books, brochures and flyers. The zoo-shop also participated in the Campaign by offering items with Malagasy themes in the shop and at the information stand.
Cooperation with the Botanical Gardens (University of Heidelberg):
Madagascar is known as a biodiversity hotspot. We therefore had decided to look for a partner, who was able to contribute to the Campaign especially by exhibiting the unique flora of this island. The first contact with the nearby located Botanical Gardens of the University of Heidelberg quickly led to a firm cooperation. A number of guided tours were planned and conducted by the staff of both institutions, they were offered as combined "Zoo & Botanical Gardens tours". The Botanical Gardens also announced their annual "Frühlings-Fest" with the theme "Madagascar". Several endemic species of plants and plantlets were donated and offered at the information stand.
Lectures:
The more interested public had a chance to learn more about people, nature and culture of Madagascar in public lectures. Mr. Bernd Marcordes from Cologne Zoo gave a fascinating insight into an avian conservation project in Madagascar. University professor Mrs. Erbar from the Institute of Botany, explained in her talk, why the flora of Madagascar is so special and of such a high value that it must be protected. An official from a travel agency, which offers ecologically compatible trips to Madagascar, provided a sympathetic impression of the culture of this unique island.
 Public feedings:
The public feedings of the White-belted ruffed lemurs gave the visitors the opportunity to observe the animals displaying feeding behaviour and enjoyable interactions between the individuals. Keepers and volunteers working for the campaign provided detailed information about this species and other endemic species of Madagascar during the feedings.
Events for children:
Children were invited to express their ideas about the fauna and flora of Madagascar and how this nature could be protected. They were able to draw pictures with colour pencils and paper at an "artist stand" and the drawings were displayed to the public afterwards. In addition to the "artist stand" many children took the chance of getting a face-painting that was offered at the "Frühlings-Fest" of the Botanical Gardens. The educational section of Heidelberg Zoo conducted guided tours with classes from public schools and the students were especially informed about Madagascar, during the Campaign week.
Excursion to Zurich Zoo
The specially interested visitors were able to participate in the one-day excursion to Zurich Zoo, which took place on 23 June. The fully booked coach arrived on time and the participants were welcomed by Zoo director Mr. Alex Rübel. Afterwards a guided tour was conducted by two members from the 'Förderverein Zoo Zürich'. The main focus was the "Masola-Halle" and the commitment of Zurich Zoo in wildlife conservation in Madagascar. The administration of Zurich Zoo offered the zoo entrance and guided tour for free, therefore a substantial amount of donations were able to be collected on this day for the Campaign.
To date we have been satisfied with the achieved results and the contributions that have been made. The Madagascar Campaign week was successful for providing information for interested zoo visitors and therefore to publish the idea of the Campaign for the general public.
The one-day excursion to Zurich Zoo was successful for collecting donations for the Campaign and the very interested participants had the chance to learn detailed about wildlife conservation in Madagascar. By all means, any contribution is of value for the conservation of the unique nature of Madagascar.
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